My husband and I travelled from Rome to Genova, and we preferred Genova over Rome for it seems more like having a holiday in a very historic place. We found the city to offer too many museums to choose from, excellent food, and the harbor at night is lovely. We did take a boat ride to Portofino and climb Mt. Portofino. That day included a boat ride in the Mediterranean, shopping and eating in Portofino, an excellent hike over the mountain, and then a swim at St. Fruturoso. I really don't know where you can find that all in one day. I would choose a B&B over a hostel though. Remember it is known as Sailors' Port, and it can be very reflective of that history.

Anonymous

I wouldnt say there is a whole lot to do in Genoa, but the town itself is pretty vast and nice if you just want to do a little exploring. Traveling along the rocky coast is a must, and if you go far enough, the rocks turn into large flat stones that people sunbathe on in the summer. The water is amazing in color, although I would not recommend swimming. Genoa has a lot of festivals in the summer too, if you can time it right. And you must try the foccacia, they're famous for it.

LNQ

Our camera got stolen at the busstop the first night and it appears as if that is quite common. If you go here always keep your stuff safe as there are so few tourist here almost everyone get robbed. The city is nice though, and the people (who are not stealing from you) are very nice and considerate.

Ebba & Lina

You must see the Paganini house!

Anonymous

This is a nice town and the people see at least a little friendlier than most urban areas in Italy.

Genova

Since Genoa has an excellent natural harbor, it was used as a seaport from ancient times. The Romans made Genoa and Placentia their headquarters against the Ligurians in the third century BC. Genoa became one of the most developed and large Italian city-states in the Middle Ages and it had fierce wars with the other surrounding cities before the Italian country was founded in the nineteenth century. There are many monuments in other countries in Europe built by Genoese.

In the eighties and nineties, many neglected buildings -- mainly churches and palaces -- were restored and reconstructed. This includes for example, the Renaissance Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, which is visible due to its location from almost any point of the city. Defensive fortifications are witnesses of the turbulent history of the former maritime republic. Once, Genoa was surrounded by a mile-long, continuous wall around the whole town; entire sections and a large part of the fort can still be seen today. Christopher Columbus was also born here. Genoa's old town is one of the largest in Europe. Via Garibaldi and Via Balbi have palaces such as the Palazzo Ducale from the thirteenth century and also the most important art museums in the city, the Palazzo Rosso and the Palazzo Bianco. In addition to the Fontana di Piazza de Ferrari is the lighthouse, or La Lanterna, the landmark of the city of Genoa, built in the middle of the sixteenth century.

Genoa hostels are not many and travelers do not have much choice when visiting the city. Moreover, hostels in Genoa are quite expensive and they have good but not the best facilities that can be expected for such prices. Hostels in Genoa are located quite centrally and near the sea -- there are some Genoa hostels next to the Rosso Palace. However, finding cheap accommodation in the city can be a real problem.

Hi, I'm George Traveller,
the Hostelz.com local expert for Genoa hostels. Welcome.